Where Will the Future LEED? What to Expect in 2012

The increased demand for cleaner, “greener” structures has had a broad impact on the design and construction industry worldwide. Here in the United States the U.S. Green Building Council developed its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program to provide a benchmark for green building design and construction, and as the market expands and new technologies are introduced the USGBC is continually updating and improving the LEED Rating System in order to broaden its application within the industry.

Building upon the changes introduced in LEED 2009, LEED 2012 will focus on “…increasing the technical rigor of the rating system, expanding the market sectors able to use LEED, and striving for simplicity in terms of usability,” says the USGBC. In addition to new prerequisites, credits and point values, there are three new credit categories—Integrative Process (IP); Location and Transportation (LT); and Performance (PF)—implemented to help teams more effectively match project goals with key issues as well as provide a more organized structure for the LEED for Homes rating system.

Industry professionals will likely have plenty of questions about the proposed changes lined up for LEED 2012. Below are a few important points from the USGBC LEED 2012 Development FAQ Sheet:

 What will LEED 2012 look like?
LEED 2012 is a technical update to the LEED rating systems, including the Building Design + Construction, Interior Design + Construction, Operations + Maintenance, Neighborhood Development, and LEED for Homes rating systems. It presents the opportunity to engage with LEED program development and will include: multiple public comment periods, responses from USGBC member committees, and a ballot vote among USGBC’s industry-wide membership.

What are the differences between LEED 2009 and LEED 2012?

The differences between LEED 2009 and the update to LEED are limited to three main areas:

• New Credit Categories that help teams understand how to best achieve their project priorities;
• Changes to Technical Content that increases the technical rigor of the rating system. The proposed technical changes have been informed by market data, stakeholder-generated ideas, expert engagement, and advances in technology and market acceptability of LEED and green building practices.
• Revised Point Distribution that will more closely tie the rating system requirements to the priorities articulated by the USGBC community.

When is LEED 2012 expected to replace the current version of the rating systems?

It is anticipated that LEED 2012 will be put forth for a member ballot vote in late summer 2012, after the public comment and response periods. As the process progresses, we will better be able to anticipate an exact launch date.

When will we see LEED 2012 used in the market?

In order for the market to be prepared for LEED 2012, it is critical that USGBC provide ample time for the market to understand the concepts and expectations associated with an update to the rating system. As our stakeholders’ input continues to drive refinement, market leaders should align with the development to be poised for continued leadership in the years to come. We expect the updated rating systems to be available for ballot after three public comment and response periods, around the fourth quarter of 2012.

I have projects using a current or older version of LEED. Will these projects be required to follow LEED 2012?

Projects currently registered with LEED should follow the version under which they are currently registered. Project teams will not be required or able to register for LEED 2012 until it has undergone a ballot vote by USGBC membership. Prior to ballot, the proposed rating system will go through at least two public comment and response periods. Projects that have not yet certified at the time of launch will still be able to certify under the rating system which they are registered.

Will there be a new LEED Online model?

No. USGBC intends to utilize LEED Online v3, and will continue to refine this tool. LEED users who have familiarized themselves with LEED Online v3, and those who will learn it in the future, will be able to continue to utilize these skills even after LEED 2012 is launched.

Will the LEED Professional Credentials change again?

It is anticipated that the LEED Professional Credential program administered through the Green Building Certification Institute will remain the same.

RedVector will continue to provide updates and important information about LEED 2012 on our site as well as through our industry-focused GreenView blog.